US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy Pushes for Healthier Airline Snacks as Part of Travel Civility Campaign, What You Need to Know

Published on November 29, 2025

A notable initiative for enhanced passenger comfort and decorum in air travel has been underscored by the US Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy. A distinct call has been made for airlines to elevate the nutritional quality of in-flight refreshments, an ambition articulated as part of a broader effort to refine the overall air travel experience. The desire for a more health-conscious approach to airline catering was expressed by Transportation Secretary Duffy during an interview with Blaze News on Tuesday.

A Focus on Improved In-Flight Nutrition

Transportation Secretary Duffy highlighted the idea of incorporating superior, healthier snack options into standard airline service, suggesting that a move away from current offerings could fundamentally alter the flying experience. The provision of alternatives to items such as the really fattening cookie full of butter and sugar and crap or the ubiquitous small snack pack of pretzels was specifically questioned and a plea was made for something else to be considered. The view was communicated that passengers would welcome a little healthier snack on the airplane.

However, the complexities involved in modifying airline snack menus have also been brought to the forefront. The limitations faced by carriers were discussed by New Jersey-based dietitian Erin Palinski-Wade in a conversation with Fox News. It was pointed out that the range of healthier options is often restricted for airlines due to the necessity of mitigating specific allergy risks and managing the logistical challenges associated with supplying fresh produce at altitude and across various flight schedules. The intricacies of providing safe, diverse and wholesome snacks in the air travel environment are thus clearly acknowledged.

The Broader Travel Civility Campaign

The remarks made by US Transportation Secretary Duffy regarding in-flight snacks are contextualized by the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) larger public awareness push. This effort, which has been dubbed, “The Golden Age of Travel Starts with You,” signifies a pivot toward passenger accountability and respect within the travel ecosystem. The underlying goal of this Travel Civility Campaign is to foster increased decorum at airports and to restore courtesy and class to air travel.

This Travel Civility Campaign was inaugurated last Wednesday, coinciding with the onset of a holiday travel period anticipated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to be the busiest seen in 15 years. In launching this significant public service drive, Transportation Secretary Duffy put forth a list of five key questions, designed to serve as a self-assessment for all travelers before they embark on a flight. These questions are intended to encourage a proactive and considerate approach to air travel:

1. Assistance for Others: Are other passengers being assisted—specifically, a pregnant woman or an elderly person—with the placement of their bags into the overhead bin?
2. Appropriate Attire: Is the passenger dressing with respect for the shared environment of air travel?
3. Child Supervision: Is proper control being maintained over children and are they being guided and supported throughout the airport process?
4. Gratitude for Staff: Are expressions of thanks being offered to the flight attendants for their service?
5. General Politeness: Are the basic courtesies of saying “please and thank you” being employed in general interactions?

The Need for Enhanced Passenger Conduct

The emphasis placed on the Travel Civility Campaign and the need for improved passenger behavior is substantiated by alarming data from the FAA. Since 2019, an exponential increase in incidents of passenger disruption has been recorded. It is reported by the agency that a 400 percent rise in in-flight outbursts has been observed. This significant statistic underscores the imperative for the DOT’s push toward re-establishing respectful conduct in the skies, making the Travel Civility Campaign a timely and necessary intervention.

The dual focus of the US Transportation Secretary—improving the physical sustenance offered on flights while simultaneously promoting a culture of mutual respect—is positioned as a comprehensive strategy. The advocacy for better snack options is thus seen not merely as a culinary critique but as a facet of the wider initiative to improve the overall passenger experience. Through both better amenities and heightened awareness, it is hoped that a more pleasant, courteous and less volatile environment can be solidified for all participants in the air travel process, as championed by Transportation Secretary Duffy. The ultimate success of this initiative will be measured both in the quality of the snacks offered and the civility with which travel is conducted.